Kauai: Travel Tips

The westernmost and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has played a starring role in many leading films, as well as in many travelers’ dream vacations. From the landmark South Pacific to Raiders of the Lost Ark, velvet-green valleys and dramatic waterfalls offer the perfect setting for romance and adventure. Hike or sail the famed Na Pali Coast or explore Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

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Getting To Kauai

Kauai receives more rainfall than the other islands but enjoys lush greenery as a result. There are also many beaches where rainfall is a rarity. Much like the other islands, Kauai's high seasons are from mid-December to early March and again from June to early September.

Mainland flight times

  • 6 hours from Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles
  • 7.5 hours from Denver
  • 11 hours from Newark

Inter-island flight times

  • Kauai to Oahu: 29 minutes
  • Flights to Maui and Big Island require transfers in Honolulu

Staying In Kauai

Lush Kauai, where South Pacific was filmed, offers technicolor beauty. Consider taking a narrated seaplane excursion to get the big-picture view of verdant Waimea Canyon, the steep cliffs along the Na Pali coast, and Kauai’s uninhabited beaches. On land, relax in the lush Princeville and sunny Poipu Beach resort areas.

Must-see sights

  • Na Pali Coast
  • Waimea Canyon
  • Poipu Beach (rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world)

Things to do

  • Stargaze on the beach in Kauai—the limited light pollution and remote locale make this prime territory.
  • Craving a warm sandy beach with minimal rain? Try Barking Frog Beach—it gets the least rainfall on Kauai.
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Traveling In Kauai

Classic Vacations offers a variety of transportation options throughout the Islands in order to make your Hawaii vacation truly spectacular. While limousines are a fun and private way to see many of the sights on the Islands, shuttle transfers and rental cars are also available on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

While traveling in Kauai we recommend:

  • Rent a car. Public transportation is minimal and the sights are far apart.

Things to Know

Currency

  • The US dollar is the currency of Hawaii, as it is throughout the United States.
  • ATMs are found everywhere in Hawaii.
  • Credit cards are accepted at most places, making it unnecessary to carry large amounts of cash.

Time Difference

  • Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time and does not observe daylight savings time.
  • When the clock is turned ahead on the mainland (March to November), Hawaii is six hours behind Eastern Daylight Time and three hours behind Pacific Daylight Time.
  • When clocks are turned back, Hawaii is five hours behind Eastern Standard Time, two hours behind Pacific Standard Time.
HOTELS SPECIAL OFFERS TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
From superior views to sought-after locations, finding the perfect Kauai hotel is right at your fingertips. Every year, we personally inspect and rate all hotels in the Kauai to offer you the finest selection of luxury accommodations. Get more value for your Kauai vacation. Classic selects the best hotel and resort specials in the Kauai including free hotel nights, room upgrades, complimentary spa treatments, and hotel credits for meals or activities. Whether your Kauai vacation calls for action-packed adventures or rest and relaxation, Classic Vacations offers a full range of activities and tours in Hawaii that will make your Kauai vacation even more memorable.
HOTELS IN KAUAI SPECIAL OFFERS IN KAUAI TOURS AND ACTIVITIES IN KAUAI


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